The Parasite

By Sofie Sarenbrant

SWEDISH CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2023.

With a focus on pressing topics and engaging social issues, Sarenbrant confirms her position as one of the biggest crime writers in the Nordics.

It is a hot summer day when the burnt remains of a body are found by Drottningholm Palace, the private residence of the royal family, just outside of Stockholm. Next to the victim, the police find a death list with five names. The last name reads Emma Sköld. 

An investigation is immediately started. At the same time, a twenty-year-old case unfolds, where a mother went to the emergency room with her infant but ended up in detention. What does the past have to do with the victim found by Drottningholm? Now it’s up to Emma and her colleagues to stop the killer before more names are crossed off the list, and before the murderer gets to Emma. 

The Parasite is the eleventh book in the bestselling series following detective Emma Sköld and her team in Stockholm. In her characteristic way, Sarenbrant portrays topical issues in a suspenseful way. This story depicts a life being shattered overnight, revenge, painful sibling relationships, and a family involved in a tragedy with catastrophic consequences. 

The series about police detective Emma Sköld has sold over 6 million copies worldwide, and the books have been translated into 17 languages to date.

Sofie Sarenbrant’s hugely successful crime series has been optioned by Breakable Films.

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About the author

Sofie Sarenbrant is one of Sweden’s most beloved and successful authors. Her books have been translated into 17 languages and sold over 6,5 million copies to date. She was awarded the prestigious Swedish Crime Writer of the Year award in 2019 and 2020 and 2022 and has also won the Nextory E-book Award three times. Sarenbrant is most well known for her captivating and contemporary series following the police detective Emma Sköld and her team. The combination of suspenseful investigations, and unexpected cliffhangers with relatable depictions of self-doubt and courage has made the series a favorite amongst many crime readers. Sarenbrant’s way of storytelling reflects a genuine and deep understanding of different narratives and perspectives, while at the same having the page-turner quality. The series take place largely in Stockholm and the idyllic suburb Bromma, where the author herself lives with her family.  Instead of a worn-out, alcoholic chief inspector in the lead role, I wanted a young, career-oriented woman my own age. Emma Sköld follows in her father’s footsteps, without his blessing. He thinks there are too many risks in police work, and it will turn out that he’s right. Emma encounters prejudice in her job as a police detective because she is young and beautiful. No one expects that she will be the most competent of them all and dare to question what no one else will.  – Sofie Sarenbrant Sarenbrant has also written a psychological thriller Behind Your Back in 2017, and the acclaimed autobiography Muzzle in 2021.  In 2022, she made her debut as a children’s author with Mira and Moon, a new book series for middle-grade readers about a young girl and her strong bond with her favorite pony. Best-seller The Birthday is the first part of the new suspense series created by Carina Bergfeldt and Sofie Sarenbrant. The standalone sequel Good Friday was released in May 2024.In autumn 2026, the first instalment of the new suspense series by Sarenbrant will be published by Bokförlaget Forum.